If you’re driving, one of the most important skills you need to master effectively is on how to make properly use of your car mirror. It’s like having eyes all around you, helping to navigate the road safely and confidently.
Yet, many drivers don’t maximize this vital tool. Whether you’re new to driving or have been doing it for years, you may be surprised at how much your driving experience improves when you use mirrors the right way.
In this guide we are going to walk you through on the importance of using the mirror while driving, How to set the car side mirror correctly, Benefits of blind spots mirror while driving, and Common mistakes to avoid when using the mirror when driving. Read on to find the best information that you need from this topic.
Why does Mirrors Matter on the Road while Driving?
Mirrors provide the view behind and to the sides of your vehicle, which is essential because your eyes can’t do it all. Imagine trying to merge without knowing if a car is in your blind spot. Sounds nerve-wracking, right? That’s where mirrors save the day. They help reduce the risk of collisions and give you the necessary driving awareness you need. In a way, they’re your safety net.
The more skilled you are at using your mirrors, the better you become at avoiding accidents and driving smoothly. It’s not just about glancing at them occasionally; it’s about making mirror checks part of your muscle memory.
How to Set Car Side Mirrors Correctly?
Before you even think about moving the car, the first step is setting up your mirrors. Too often, drivers jump in the car and rely on how the mirrors were last positioned. Not ideal! The positioning of your mirrors should cater to you—your height, seating posture, and driving preferences. So, how should you adjust them?
Adjusting the Rearview Mirror
The rearview mirror is your main tool for checking directly behind you. To adjust it correctly, sit in your normal driving position and adjust the mirror so that it frames the entire rear window. This gives you the clearest view of what’s coming from behind.
Don’t position it too high or too low—you’re aiming for the sweet spot where you can see the road without craning your neck. While it may sound like common sense, getting this positioning just right makes a big difference in reducing your blind spots.
Adjusting the Side Mirrors
Now, side mirrors are where things get a bit more interesting. Many people make the mistake of setting them up to see the side of their car. But here’s the thing—you don’t need to see your car! You need to see what’s next to your car.
So, sit in your driving position and push the mirror outwards just until the side of your car barely vanishes from view. This wider angle helps cover your blind spots without duplicating what the rearview mirror shows you.
Importance of Blind Spot Mirrors while Driving
If you’re still worried about those sneaky blind spots, consider installing small blind spot mirrors. These stick to your side mirrors and give you an even wider view of the lanes around you. It’s a simple, affordable addition that can greatly enhance your driving experience.
When Should You Check Your Mirrors when Driving?
Knowing when to check your mirrors is as important as knowing how to adjust them. It’s not about obsessively checking them every second, but there are key moments when a quick glance can make all the difference.
1. Before Moving Off
Every time you pull away from a stationary position, your mirrors should be your best friends. Check all mirrors to ensure there’s no oncoming traffic or pedestrians behind or beside you. Even when you feel like you’re in a quiet neighborhood or an empty parking lot, there could always be something you’ve missed. Better safe than sorry, right?
2. While Changing Lanes
This one’s a no-brainer. Every time you plan to change lanes, a thorough mirror check is crucial. Your rearview mirror gives you a sense of the traffic behind, while your side mirrors show the lanes beside you.
But don’t rely on mirrors alone. Here’s where a quick glance over your shoulder—a “shoulder check”—comes in handy to cover any blind spots your mirrors might miss. That way, you’re making an informed, safe lane change every time.
3. Before and During Turning
Mirrors aren’t just for lane changes; they’re important for turns too. Check your rearview and side mirrors to gauge the traffic around you before you make that right or left turn. Are there cyclists coming up behind? Is there a speeding vehicle trying to overtake? A quick glance gives you the awareness you need to execute turns smoothly.
4. While Reversing
Reversing without using mirrors? That’s asking for trouble. Your rearview mirror is the star of the show when you back up, but don’t forget your side mirrors. They help you see the full picture, especially when reversing into tight spots. If you’re parking between two cars, for example, the side mirrors let you judge distance more accurately.
5. Using Mirrors in Bad Weather Conditions
Driving in bad weather can turn an already tricky task into something much more challenging. Whether it’s heavy rain, fog, or snow, visibility becomes your main issue. This is where mirrors become more crucial than ever.
How do you Deal with Fogged-Up Mirrors when Driving?
Mirrors that fog up in the rain or cold weather are a common problem. They’re not much use to you if they’re blurry! The solution? Many modern cars come equipped with heated side mirrors that automatically defog. If you don’t have those, there are anti-fog sprays you can apply to your mirrors. It’s a small effort for a huge safety boost.
Mirror Use in Rain and Fog
When the weather’s rough, your mirrors need extra attention. Rain and fog distort what you see, so you’ll need to check your mirrors more frequently. It’s not enough to give them a quick glance. Look carefully and give yourself more time to react to what’s happening around you. After all, other drivers might not be as cautious.
Common Mistakes to Avoiding while using the Mirror when Driving
Even experienced drivers fall into bad habits when it comes to mirror use. Let’s talk about a few common mistakes and how to avoid them.
1. Relying Too Much on the Rearview Mirror
Your rearview mirror is essential, but it’s not the whole story. Some drivers tend to check only the rearview, assuming it covers all their needs. But this leaves you vulnerable to missing what’s happening on the sides of your vehicle, especially during lane changes or turns. The solution? Train yourself to always check side mirrors as well.
2. Not Checking Mirrors Before Braking
One of the most dangerous mistakes is not checking mirrors before braking. Let’s say you’re approaching a red light. Your instinct might be to brake without looking, but this could be a bad move if there’s a vehicle tailgating you. A quick glance in your mirrors helps you gauge how close the car behind you is and adjust your braking accordingly.
3. Mirror Glances That Are Too Quick or Too Long
There’s a balance to strike here. If you glance at your mirrors too quickly, you might miss something important. But stare at them too long, and you lose focus on what’s ahead of you. The sweet spot? Glance for just long enough to get a clear understanding of what’s going on, and then shift your focus back to the road.
The Role of Mirrors in Parking
Parking is one of those tasks that make even seasoned drivers sweat, but mirrors can help. Whether you’re parallel parking, reverse parking, or pulling into a tight garage, mirrors give you the spatial awareness to do it safely and accurately.
Parallel Parking
When you parallel park, the side mirrors are your best friends. Start by aligning your car with the car in front of the parking spot. As you begin to reverse into the spot, use your side mirrors to gauge the distance between your car and the curb. A little mirror check can help prevent those embarrassing curb scrapes.
Reverse Parking
Reverse parking might feel tricky, but your mirrors make it much simpler. Begin by checking all mirrors as you position your car. As you back up, use your side mirrors to ensure you’re centered between the parking lines. Rearview mirrors help here too, but side mirrors give you that extra precision.
Building the Habit of Mirror Use when Driving
The goal of all this is to make checking your mirrors second nature. It’s not something you should have to think about. It should become part of your driving reflexes. But how do you build that habit?
Practice Makes Perfect
It might sound obvious, but practicing conscious mirror checks is the key to making it a habit. Start by overemphasizing your mirror checks. For the first few weeks, make an effort to check mirrors at every major driving milestone—pulling out, turning, lane changes, and braking. Soon enough, it’ll feel as natural as steering.
Create a Mental Checklist
Another helpful tool is creating a mental checklist every time you get in the car. Something simple like: “Seatbelt, seat position, mirrors.” This way, you’re reminding yourself to adjust and use your mirrors before you even start driving.
Conclusion
Driving is an active process. Many drivers fall into autopilot, especially on familiar roads. But mirror use forces you to stay engaged. By constantly checking your surroundings, you’re keeping your brain focused on the task at hand, which makes for safer, more aware driving.
Mirrors aren’t just tools—they’re your co-pilots on the road. Use them wisely, and they’ll keep you and everyone around you safe.